Salvation by Grace The Case for Effectual Calling and Regeneration

Abstract

How important is the doctrine of sovereign grace, as displayed in effectual calling and regeneration, to the system of Calvinism? According to B. B. Warfield, “Monergistic regeneration—or as it was phrased by the older theologians, of ‘irresistible grace’ or ‘effectual calling’—is the hinge of the Calvinistic soteriology, and lies much more deeply embedded in the system than the doctrine of predestination itself which is popularly looked upon as its hall-mark.” 2 Such a statement by Warfield is astonishing given the enormous focus on other issues such as the problem of evil or God’s election in eternity by Calvinists and Arminians. However, Warfield is not alone. Today Calvinist theologians still agree, believing that monergistic regeneration is the sine qua non of salvation. 3 For example, when asked what the difference is between an Arminian and a Calvinist, both R. C. Sproul and Sinclair Ferguson responded that it is the doctrine of monergistic regeneration. As Sproul stated, while Calvinists and Arminians can argue about many other issues, the litmus test is whether regeneration precedes faith in the ordo salutis or, stated otherwise, whether one has or does not have the ability to cooperate with the grace of regeneration. 4 According to Sproul, the shibboleth for deciding whether or not one is a Calvinist or an Arminian is the doctrine of monergistic regeneration, the belief that God alone acts to irresistibly and effectually call and regenerate the dead and passive sinner from death to new life, thereby causing the sinner to respond in faith and repentance. 5